Can I design my own CP12 template?

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), you can design your own CP12 for an engineer to complete. It must contain all of the information above, and only a Gas Safe registered engineer may complete it. Otherwise, it will not be valid.

Is having a CP12 a legal requirement?

Yes. If you have gas equipment in your property, the law requires that you have a valid and up-to-date CP12.

Providing a copy of the CP12 for your tenants

If your property is occupied, you must give your tenants a copy of the CP12 within 28 days of the gas check. If a new tenant is about to move in, you should provide them with a copy of the most recent check beforehand.

You can email your tenant an electronic copy if they are happy for you to do so. If requested, you must also provide a paper copy. You can also store the record electronically, as long as it is secure and legible, and hard copies are available on demand.

Multiple appliances can be checked on a single CP12

One gas safety record or CP12 will provide details of every item checked. You don’t need a separate record for each appliance and flue, though the engineer must fully check each piece of gas equipment before completing the record.

Gas safety for houses of multiple occupation

If you have an HMO, you may display the gas safety record in a communal area. Make sure that it is legible and prominent. It should also tell your tenants where they can get a copy of the notice.

As with providing this information in person, you must place the notice within 28 days or before the start of a new tenancy. You must also tell your tenants where the notice is.

Other gas safety questions

What if any gas appliances are unsafe?

The engineer will still hand over the form once they have finished the gas safety check. The record will indicate whether any appliances are defective and whether further action is needed.

Engineers may attempt minor repairs on the spot. For larger repair jobs, you will need to hire another engineer to carry out the repair. When they have done so, they should update the CP12 so that there is a permanent record of the remedial action.

What happens if I don’t have a CP12?

Faulty gas appliances can be a serious health concern. They can cause carbon monoxide problem and sometimes even explosions. This is why the CP12 is a legal requirement.

If you don’t arrange annual gas checks and don’t have an in-date landlord gas safety record, the HSE may caution or prosecute you.

Even though you need to keep records for two years, a CP12 is only valid for 12 months. If a new tenancy begins before this 12-month period elapses, you can give the new tenants copies of the current record, but you must arrange another check before the period ends.

Can letting agents arrange a CP12?

If you would like your agent to handle gas safety arrangements and keep records, your management contract with them should specify this. This indemnifies you if they fail to carry out their duties).

How much does a CP12 cost?

Many companies offer gas safety inspections and landlord gas safety records, and prices vary. Some provide options from a simple meter check to multiple appliance checks. An online search will identify many companies in your area who handle gas safety checks.

Ensure that the company that conducts the check is registered with Gas Safe Register. To find or check an engineer in your area, visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk.

What you should do if you are worried there is a gas leak

Ensure all gas appliances and the mains gas isolation valve are switched off. [Include the location of your tenants’ mains gas isolation valve. It will usually be under the stairs or the kitchen sink or, in newer properties, outside in a meter box.]

Open windows and doors to let air in

Avoid using electrical switches and appliances

Avoid smoking and creating naked flames, such as by lighting a match or lighter